POISE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'poise' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address , savoir faire , and tact . While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations. // answered the accusations with unruffled poise

Q: When would 'address' be a good substitute for 'poise'?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends. // brought it off with remarkable address

Q: When can 'savoir faire' be used instead of 'poise'?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient. // the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Q: Where would 'tact' be a reasonable alternative to 'poise'?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate. // questions showing a lack of tact

poise 1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯiz

Definition of poise next

as in equilibrium

a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another there must be a poise between the rights of the individual and the rights of society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in posture

a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

2 of 2

verb

ˈpȯiz

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air the falcon poised in the air for an instant before diving to attack its prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of poise

Noun

Anchorman trades the ratings-battle storyline of similar films for a battle of the sexes, pitting an infantile boys’ club against a new hire navigating their sexism with the seasoned poise of someone who’s done this all before. —

Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024 Kevin Durant, who said fans in The Wall section affected him in the previous meeting, showed more poise the second time, scoring 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting. —

Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Some relief ahead still? For now, the Fed is poised to carry on with rate cuts based on current conditions. —

Bryan Mena, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial race is poised to make history in 2025, with two women likely to lead the Republican and Democratic tickets. —

Julia Manchester, The Hill, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for poise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise

Noun

In about 30 minutes the dish is ready, an encouraging tangle of tasty equilibrium.

Scott Hocker, theweek, 26 Nov. 2024
Currently, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Chiron are all in retrograde, inviting us to pay attention to any lack of equilibrium.

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024